Urgent Care for Shoulder Pain Treatment in Fairfax, VA

Shoulder pain encompasses any form of discomfort or pain experienced in or around the complex shoulder joint. The shoulder joint has an extensive range of motion and is susceptible to various injuries. Shoulder pain is a broad category that can range from a mild, lingering ache to severe, debilitating sharp pains that can restrict movement and affect daily activities.

Because of the shoulder’s role in many physical actions, pain in this area can significantly hinder an individual’s ability to perform basic tasks and affect an individual’s day-to-day life. The interconnected nature of shoulder structures also means that pain can also radiate to the arm, upper back, or neck, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

In terms of symptoms, shoulder pain may be accompanied by a variety of sensations including stiffness, a limited range of motion, or clicking sounds or popping sensations when moving the joint. Depending on the injury, individuals can experience pain that is noticeable only during movement, or the pain might persist even when at rest.

Shoulder pain can be acute or chronic, and can present on an intermittent or ongoing basis. This complexity often requires detailed examination to pinpoint the exact cause of discomfort and effectively address it.

There are a wide range of potential causes of shoulder pain, often resulting from injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions. Acute injuries such as falls or impacts can directly harm the shoulder, leading to urgent pain and dysfunction.

Over time, repetitive movements or overuse can also lead to a deterioration of the tendons and muscles around the shoulder, leading to conditions like tendonitis or bursitis. Rotator cuff injuries are particularly common, involving the muscles and tendons that stabilize the joint and can cause significant pain and restriction of movement.

Shoulder pain can also be a symptom of systemic diseases that do not originate in the shoulder itself but rather spread during symptomatic presentation. Conditions affecting the cervical spine, heart, liver, and more, can cause shoulder pain due to the interconnected nature of nerves and muscle groups.

Age-related wear and tear is another prevalent cause, particularly in individuals over 60, where degeneration of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder leads to chronic discomfort and decreased mobility.

Determining the seriousness of shoulder pain often depends on the presence of certain symptoms that indicate more severe issues. However, in some cases, even seemingly minor presentations of shoulder pain may be indicative of an underlying concern. This makes evaluation and diagnosis of shoulder pain at Prima Urgent Care valuable for all presentations of shoulder pain.

Pain that is constant, disrupts sleep, or significantly limits mobility suggests a serious condition. Additionally, symptoms like severe swelling, redness, warmth around the joint, or restricted function are cause for concern. If the shoulder appears deformed, or if there’s a sudden and intense increase in pain following an injury, these are also signs that the condition may be more serious. 

If experiencing symptoms like a sharp decrease in shoulder mobility, a sensation of the shoulder joint being loose, or hearing pops and clicks within the joint, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation. These could indicate severe injuries such as different forms of structural damage that might require more intensive treatment including surgery.

It becomes particularly important to consult a healthcare provider if shoulder pain persists beyond a few weeks without improvement despite rest and home remedies, or if it begins to impact daily functioning.

Early medical intervention is crucial if the pain results from an acute injury, particularly if accompanied by severe symptoms like intense pain, swelling, or a visible deformity. If there are signs of infection such as fever, excessive redness, or a feeling of heat in the joint, these symptoms require urgent medical attention to prevent further complications.

Diagnosis at Prima Urgent Care can help distinguish between simple muscular strains and more severe issues like bone fractures or systemic diseases, ensuring appropriate and timely treatment to facilitate recovery and prevent long-term damage.

Shoulder pain treatment is available at Prima Urgent Care. Visit us online for directions to our clinics and to learn more about our special offers for patients. We serve patients from Fairfax VA, South Riding VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill VA, Lees Corner VA and beyond!